TMC receives 'A' for quality service

Thomasville Medical Center is harvesting accolades for its efforts to ensure patient safety.
TMC was given an "A" in hospital safety by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit composed of employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. This score was awarded based on preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents and infections. The Hospital Safety Score is designed to provide information the public can use to protect themselves and their families.
"Providing care that is of the highest quality and safety is fundamental to our mission," said Kathie Johnson, president and CEO of Thomasville Medical Center. "This recognition validates the work or our physicians and staff and their commitment to our patients."
Cathy Brown, manager of safety and emergency management, explained The Leapfrog Group looks at different areas related to quality and safety, as well as other surveys and databases. A total of 26 measures of hospital safety data available to the public were used.
"It's wonderful news for our hospital. We try to be on the forefront (of safety), and this is reaffirmation," Brown said. "We have a very strong safety coach program where people are trained to assist the staff and leaders in remembering to use our Novant five safety behaviors. We have instituted a daily safety call, where we discuss any potential issues related to quality. That allows us to take direct action in solving any problems before they arise.
"At TMC, we have worked very hard to create a safe environment for our patients."
The Leapfrog Group, seeks to initiate breakthrough improvements in the safety, quality and affordability of healthcare for Americans. Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group, said in a press release that TMC matches the profile and embodies the qualities her organization commends.
"Hospitals like this that earn an A have demonstrated their commitment to their patients and their community," said Binder. "I congratulate Thomasville Medical Center for its safety excellence, and look forward to the day when all hospitals will match this standard."
For more information about TMC, log onto www.ThomasvilleMedicalCenter.org.

Staff Writer Daniel Kennedy can be reached at 888-3575, or kennedy@tvilletimes.com.